Wednesday, February 6, 2008

February: I Love DC and Valentines

February: I Love DC and Valentines

Whether you want to celebrate Valentine's day as one, two, or a group the following is a list of events to help you and others celebrate.Sunday, February 10, 2008THE POWER OF CHOCOLATE: Chocolate of the AmericasNational Museum of the American Indian4th Street and Independence Avenue, SW

* Demonstration: Chocolate of the Americas10:30 AM - 4:30 PMCacao has been at the heart of Mesoamerican culture for centuries. Experience the world of cacao though a lively and innovative program that explores chocolate's culture, history, and place in contemporary society.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day! Decorate your own heart-shaped box, inspired by the French gold boxes displayed in the Mansion. Use stickers, ribbons, “gems”, and other materials to make your “heart of gold” sparkle! Enjoy a cup of steaming hot chocolate in our rustic Adirondack building while you create a work of art from the heart.Tours of the Mansion, café dining, and shopping are also part of this special Sunday opening.

Our City Film FestBusboys & Poets2021 14th Street, NW

Time: 12:00 pmAdmission: $6 online, $7 at doorPhone: 202.387.POET

"Our City Film Fest" featuring films that take place in, or focus on, DC. The newly inaugurated festival is intended to promote pride in the city, bring communities together, illuminate emerging local issues and celebrate "our city's" history and culture. The festival will award cash prizes for winning films. Hosted by Yachad, the Non-Profit Jewish Housing and Community Development Corporation of Greater Washington committed to community development, maintenance and repair of affordable housing. For a list of films & screening times go to Yachad site.

I. OUR BODY(12:00-1:40)Can I Kick It? BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARYEither the sport of kickball has matured or adults have regressed. This short examines the World Adult Kickball Association (WAKA), which began in DC and has since grown into an international operation.

II. OUR MIND (2:00-3:40)Of Politics and ProseDirector: Andrea BloomThis short showcases one of the last remaining independent bookstores in Washington and how it has flourished while other independent stores have failed.

The Tivoli: A Neighborhood Landmark Reborn BEST MID LENGTH DOCDirector: Walter GottliebThe story of one of America’s most elaborate movie houses is unraveled as the Columbia Heights theater’s eighty year history is told by famous Washingtonians such as Diane Rehm of NPR.

III. OUR HEART (4:00-5:40)Lessons from the WaterfrontBEST STUDENT FILMDirector: Multi-Media Training InstituteThis film, written and shot by the youth of Multi-Media Training Institute explores the history and current state of the Anacostia River through various perspectives.The film is shot and produced by “at risk” D.C. youth.

Chocolate CityDirector: Ellie Walton and Sam WildWashington is home to America’s proportionally largest black population. This film documents the struggle of the Arthur Capper/Carrolsburg public housing community as they face demolition as part of the Hope 6 regeneration program of the Waterfront.

IV. OUR SOUL (6:00-7:45)G-d of a Second Chance (82min)-BEST FEATURE LENGTH DOCDirector: Paul WagnerThis documentary explores the role of faith in the lives of two Black men dealing with the toughest challenges of life in D.C.’s poorest neighborhood. One recovering drug addict, and another “at risk” youth, reach out to their community for guidance in improving their lives.Chinese New Year ParadeH Street between Sixth and Eighth Streets, NW2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Celebrate the coming of the Year of the Rat! This annual Chinatown parade welcomes in the Chinese New Year with marching bands, lion and dragon dancers, martial arts performers, steel drummers, an impressive firecracker display, and much more. Wear red to ward off the evil spirits!

Monday, February 11, 2008 - Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Special "Power of Chocolate" DemonstrationNational Museum of the American Indian4th Street and Independence Avenue, SWPotomac Atrium

El Ceibo, founded in l977, is a community-based and -led federation of 40 cooperatives comprising 1,000 cocoa bean producers of Bolivia's northern Alto Beni region. El Ceibo's multiethnic membership represents communities of Aymara cultural background resettled to the Amazon Basin from the high Andean plains, communities of Quechua cultural background resettled from the Andean mountain valleys, and communities of Mostene cultural background native to the tropical forests of the Alto Beni. The participation of El Ceibo is made possible by support from the Inter-American Foundation

Create your own Valentine’s Day cards for someone special! Following a "history detective" tour of the historic mansion, Tudor Place Artist-in-Residence Peter Waddell leads children in an art workshop to design their own Valentine cards. Historic Valentine’s Day cards from the Tudor Place collection serve as an inspiration for their creations.

The program, entitled Mujeres, is comprised of the legendary Merche Esmeralda, acclaimed for her mesmerizing performances for the National Ballet of Spain and Carlos Saura's Sevillanos and Flamenco; the innovative and soulful dancer Belén Maya, known for her work with Mayte Martín and the Dance Company of Andalucía; and Rocío Molina, a highlight of the 2005 festival who was called "a brooding treasure" (The New York Times).

Appearing as guest artist is the extraordinary award-wining singer Diana Navarro in her Washington debut. The show is directed by renowned dancer and choreographer Mario Maya.

Join us for one of the classic cult love stories, "The Princess Bride". The evening starts at 6:30 PM with Wine Tasting by Washington Wine Academy and Live Music with Everyone But Pete. The Stand-Up Comedy by Jon Mumma starts at 7:45 PM with "The Princess Bride" starting at 8:15 PM.

*For more events go to the City Guide at Washington Post. Whatever you do have fun and stay safe!

Month of February Friday, February 1, 2008 - Friday, February 29, 2008

Warm Up to a MuseumLocation: Citywide

Welcome to Warm Up to a Museum! This Cultural Tourism DC program features 25 gallery talks, film, tours, and more designed to warm body and soul at more than 19 organizations located across DC. We invite you to explore all the city's museums have to offer during this quiet, wintry time of year.

Over two weeks, the Kennedy Center brings together more than 450 artists, more than 40 performances, and more than a dozen free events to showcase the best Japanese theater and dance, music and fashion, architecture and sculpture, poetry and literature, photography and film. February 5-17, don't miss this living celebration of the artistic innovator that is Japan… the "floating island" whose modest size belies its stunning global impact.

Another view of the perilous life of the great Mexican painter, one version of whose biography was captured in Julie Taymor’s 2002 film.

Under the cloak of immense love professed by and for her husband, the muralist Diego Rivera, Frida seeks various forms of oblivion. Her body battered by accident, her love tattered by infidelity, her immense desire to live contrast and afford testimony to her painting, both intimate and universal; strong images enveloped in superb Mexican music.

* Images are copyright of the events' sites. Please visit them for further information. Princess Bride poster from Amazon.com

I'm Only One Person.

Know about a place that I don't? Well don't just sit there in front of the screen and silently scoff at me. Leave a comment and I will go to the place (Metro Accessible please), check it out and if I like it, I'll post it .

About the Blog

Why DC?Because that's where I live. After searching the internet for a well laid out site that listed and covered local shopping in DC and not finding very much I decided to make a blog dedicated to shopping within the District and NoVA (I rarely go to Maryland so sorry about the little coverage in that area). While I enjoy shopping in national chains like everyone else I believe shopping in local stores and markets helps connect you to the community and the people within it. Hope you like this blog. Please comment. I'm open to suggestions for new places and constructive criticisms.